July/August 2026
Summer Blessings: Finding Rest and Community
Sabbath Moments
Summer brings a different rhythm to our days. Whether you are traveling or relaxing at home, we pray you find deep Sabbath rest. Take time to notice God’s beautiful creation all around you.
Staying Connected
Our community of faith does not pause for the summer season. We gather every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. to share our fellowship and faith. If you are away, you can always join our livestream service on Facebook.
Summer Service
Basic needs do not take a summer vacation. Please continue supporting D/SAOC this summer. Drop off personal care goods in the church narthex anytime.
God's Grace Goes With You
No matter where your summer travels take you, you remain in our prayers. You are a vital part of this body of Christ. We look forward to hearing your stories of grace when you return.
JULY and; AUGUST VOLUNTEERS
SUPPLY ACOLYTES
July 5 Mark Echelberger
July 12 Pastor Jane Granzow Madi Muhlenbruch
July 19 Casey Simmons
July 26 Stan Watne
August 2 Corn Days service
August 9 Casey Simmons
August 16 Pastor Steve Smith Madi Muhlenbruch
August 23 Mark Echelberger
August 30 Pastor Joel Deboer
USHERS ALTAR GUILD
July and August July and August
Craig Russell and Jean Swanson Jeanette Wenzel and; family
DEACON BREAD BAKER
July Bev Weidemann July Pat Meek
August Bev Weidemann August Jeanette Wenzel
COMMUNION
Sunday, July 12 @ 9:00 a.m.
Sunday, August 16 @ 9:00 a.m.
FIRST COUNCIL MEETING Wednesday, July 1 st – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 12 – 6:00 p.m.
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL
Wednesday, July 15 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Menu: Pulled pork sandwiches, salads, dessert
Wednesday, August 19 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Menu: Tater tot casserole, salads, dessert
ALL ARE WELCOME
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL
MAY 6, 2026
President, Kathy Thelke, opened the meeting with 9 council members present. A motion to approve of the agenda as presented was made by Jean Swanson and seconded by Bev Weidemann. Motion carried.
DEVOTIONS:
Kathy read a devotion to begin the meeting.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT:
Kathy shared three thank you’s that were received this month from the Nelson family, the Edward’s family and the Dows Senior Citizens.
SECRETARY’S REPORT:
Jeanne read the minutes from the April 1st meeting. A motion to approve of the minutes as presented was made by Mary Haugen and seconded by Jean Swanson. Motion carried.
TREASURER REPORT:
Council members looked over the report and a motion by Craig Russell to accept the report was seconded by Tammy Klatt. Motion carried.
DEACON’S REPORT:
Members continue to be visited regularly either in their homes or at the care centers they now live at.
TRUSTEE REPORT:
The light was taken care of by the south education door. The water fountain downstairs was leaking and was looked at by David Fulk. A rain gutter was also looked at. The elevator is ok.
STEWARDSHIP REPORT:
Tammy and Larry Klatt – nothing new to report.
OLD BUSINESS:
Pastor Steve Brackett will be coming on 5/17 to do a drone video of Dows and of our church for our profile update with the NEIA Synod office. He will be interviewing Kathy Thelke, President and Larry Klatt, as Mayor.
May 17th is the last day of Sunday School and there will be cake/ice cream and pizza to celebrate the day.
Five trees will be given to our graduating seniors on May 10th. Kali Wharton, Ruby Coldiron, Matthew Hurt, Brandon Stein and Kolton Hefti. There will be baskets in the back of the church for each graduate.
Other Old Business: None
NEW BUSINESS:
NE IA C3 Conference is on June 6th. Registration is due May 22nd. No one on the Council was able to attend.
CG-D SUMMER SCHOOL – Will begin on June 8th and run for 2 weeks.
Other New Business:
Craig made a motion to buy a portable air conditioner for the secretary’s office. This motion was seconded by Jean Swanson. Motion Carried.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mary Haugen and seconded by Tammy Klatt. Motion carried. We closed the meeting with the Lord’s Prayer.
Submitted by, Jeanne Russell Council Secretary
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL
JUNE 3, 2026
President, Kathy Thelke, opened the meeting with 9 members present. A motion to approve of the agenda as presented was made by Mary Anderson and seconded by Mary Haugen. Motion carried.
DEVOTIONS:
Kathy read a prayer to start off the meeting.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT:
Kathy shared a thank you from Jeanette Wenzel, representing the Dows Pool, for the $1,000 that was given from the 10% from the Rockow Estate interest. A Thank You from Beth Hurt was also shared. A letter and certificate from the NEIA Synod office for the Mission support in 2025 was also shared with the council members. Kathy also shared that the Gift of Giving’s backpack program was also given a donation from the 10% of the Rockow Estate interest in the amount of $1055.42.
SECRETARY’S REPORT:
Jeanne read the minutes from the May 6th meeting. A motion to accept the minutes as presented was made by Mary Haugen and seconded by Mary Anderson. Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
The 15 cents credit was taken off the amount of the check that was sent to W and;H. The two donations that were given funds from the 10% from the Rockow Estate interest were the Dows Pool and the Gift of Giving. A motion to approve of the Treasurer’s report was made by Carig Russell and seconded by Bev Weidemann.
DEACON’S REPORT:
Deacons reported that members were being visited and receiving communion monthly. Ron and Anne Larson are now back home.
TRUSTEE’S REPORT:
The portable air conditioner for the secretary’s office has been purchased and installed. David Fulk worked on the tile from the eave spout that was plugged and it is now ok. The water fountain downstairs will not be fixed.
STEWARDSHIP REPORT:
Pastor Stephen Brackett’s was here on May 17th and did a drone video and it seemed to work out well for him that day. He interviewed Kathy Thelke, Larry & Tammy Klatt, Casey and Wanda Glade. When it has been edited, it will be sent to the Church to review.
OLD BUSINESS:
CG-D summer school will be next week for 2 weeks – mornings only.
June 23rd the Dows Food Pantry will begin in our church. Distribution is from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm.
NEW BUSINESS:
The July/August newsletter articles need to be in to Shelly the last week in June to be in the newsletter.
The Council will meet on July 1st and August 12th at 6:00 pm.
Steve Schwendeman is now finished with being a supply for us as he and Sherry are moving to Florida.
Discussion was held on what we should do for Corn Days and a motion by Mary Haugen to give $100 to the Dows Corn Days Committee was seconded by Jeanne Russell. Motion carried.
With no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Craig Russell and seconded by Mary Anderson. Motion carried.
We closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Submitted by, Jeanne Russell Council Secretary
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 14, 2026
President, Kathy Thelke, opened the meeting following church services with 10 members present. Kathy said that she had talked to Casey Simmons and he had decided to be a supply minister for Kanawha Lutheran every Sunday. He has enjoyed his time with Dows First Lutheran but going forward he will just do Kanawha Lutheran. He is going to be at Dows First Lutheran on July 19th and August 9th. This year will be the last year that he will be available to assist with VBS here in Dows.
Discussion was held on going forward with supply ministers.
Meeting was adjourned.
Submitted by, Jeanne Russell Council Secretary
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Dows Ecumenical VBS “Tropical Trek”
August 3 -7: Meal at 5:30, VBS 6 - 8 pm
Ages Preschool - 6th Grade
Closing Program for the community, Friday, August 7th at 7:30 pm
VBS will be held the first full week of August. Registration this year will be in person on the first night of VBS. We are asking that parents bring their child/children to the chapel to get them signed in on Monday night.
If you would like to help with VBS, we are still looking for a few good men & women! Please contact Jeanie Agena (515-291-6633) if you would be available to help. Even a couple nights would be great!
In July you will see a sign-up sheet go up in the narthex for homemade cookies to top off each night’s meals. We know we have some great bakers out there so we say thank you in advance for your donations.
Vacation Bible School for Teens
You are invited to Join us for an afternoon of fun, food, games with prizes and fellowship! Ages8th Grand through Seniors.
Sunday ,July 26, 1 pm to 5:30 pm.
First Lutheran Church in Dows, 206 W Ellsworth Street, Dows, Ia
RSVP to Larry or Tammy Klatt; 6413736981 or 641-485-7266